The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged its commitment to implementing the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, MAMII, as part of efforts to curb preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Speaking during the Traditional Birth Attendant Workshop organised by the NDDC in Delta and Bayelsa States, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, advised women to embrace orthodox medicine to limit maternal and newborn deaths.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Principal Manager, Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Mrs. Dare-Oloko Kuami, urged *** women to combine the traditional birthing system with orthodox medicine to achieve efficiency and reduce mortality.

He stated that, "the rate of death in children and women is alarming and needs eradication. "This training is meant to enlighten our women and should not be taken for granted."

He further stated that the training is meant to strengthen their knowledge and skills in safe maternal and newborn care, early identification of pregnancy-related complications, and timely referral of high-risk cases to health centres and hospitals.

The NDDC Director, EHSS, Dr. Patience Ezugu, advised women to take childbirth seriously to save lives. She urged them to equip themselves with knowledge to assist others in the community.

Ezugu, who was represented by the NDDC Principal Manager, EHSS, Dr. Otokolo Fidelis, said over 300 women participated in the training in Delta and Bayelsa States, and were empowered with medical equipment and cash.

One of the Resource persons, Mrs. Gift Akitiri, emphasised the critical role traditional birth attendants play in many communities and stressed the importance of continuous training. She said, "Traditional birth attendants are trusted members of many communities, and by equipping them with updated knowledge, we are helping to ensure that mothers and newborns will receive timely, appropriate care and improve health outcomes."

Mrs. Franscica Odiakosa, a traditional birth attendant who participated in the training, expressed appreciation for the workshop, thanked the NDDC for organising the training, and asked them to do more.

She stated: "It is a very good thing that NDDC did; I have gained a lot of knowledge today that would enhance the quality of health care I will provide for the community, and I have also learnt to refer mothers to the health centres and hospitals when I cannot handle the situation."

•PHOTO: NDDC Principal Manager, Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Mrs. Dare-Oloko Kuami, hands over health kits to the President of the Bayelsa State Traditional Birth Attendants Association, Mrs. Rachel Daniel, during the Traditional Birth Attendant Workshop in Bayelsa State. With them is a consultant, Mrs. Naomi Bassey.

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